Beware - Auto Gallery Service tried to rip me off

They were so interested in gouging you they forgot to check see if there were any open bulletins on your car. Hopefully no one else got/gets suckered by the $500 teaser and just takes their car to Alan from the start and avoids getting scammed. Good thing you stood your ground and verified the huge phony estimate. Report them to BAR.

 

Just curious, did AG give you a written estimate?

 

+1

 

Doesn't every Ferrari that goes into the Auto Gallery service department need motor mounts? They had an event a few years back, and it was a Tech session on how to change them. Sad

 

I thought they were on track to rebuilding their service department image after seeing them provide services on the last Pauper's Run. It's sad to see them trying to play the motor mount card again. That was the reason I stopped going to them for service a few years back.

One year, I had them do the fluids and they changed the mounts saying they were bad. The following year, they told me the mounts needed to be changed again. I told them to check their records since they had them changed 12 months prior. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I asked if they would at least cover the cost of the part (seeing how they should last longer than 12 months.) I had only driven 3-4k miles in the 12 months. They wouldn't cover the part since it was a few days over 12 months since they had previously installed them. Needless to say, that was the last time I took my car there.

 

Unfortunately, this is not new news.

 

yeah this isnt new i was told by them i needed new rotors when all i needed was pads... luckly i know something about cars.. needless to say i wont be going back there . worste dealer ever . ohh also i ordered a car from them and wen it came in they said i never did. even though i had a copy of the check in my books. good ridance auto gallery

 

I'm very shocked to hear about the negative comments made concerning the Auto Gallery as I have nothing but great experiences with them. Now granted in the early 2000s, the dealership didn't have the best of images but I feel they have made a HUGE turn around and made major changes in the way they do business and how they treat people. I have used them to service my car and have no complaints whatsoever.

I also received the $500 off coupon as a participant in the Pauper's Run and did use that coupon for a few repair items and an alignment. They fully examined the car and pointed out a few areas of concern but told me that they were not major issues and did not need to be repaired right away. A questionable dealership would have pressured me to make the repairs but they didn't.

Don't want to get into a pissing match with anyone but did want to express my positive experiences with the Auto Gallery.

BTW, all of this talk about Pauper's is getting me excited......!

 

I wonder why they use the o'l motor mounts excuse? Probably it's nebulous enough that the majority of people will fall for it. Pitty the poor saps who've had this one done and now question its validity.

Anyway, glad Rand Paul won today

 

In my opinion Auto Gallery has worked hard to become the 1st class dealer they should be. Since John Kerley has taken service by the rings with Tony's blessing at Ferrari/Maserati, Porsche/Audi, and Lambo I have seen a huge difference for my clients (Don't get me wrong I also send clients to FBH, FOC, Wynn, and Fusion with good results). John Kerley's goal from day 1 has been to make sure things like this don't happen and to change the rep thay have had and I think he has done a great job at that. Every car I send in there for service I ask for a written estimate so I know what is going on. They have no problem providing it via email or fax. I know in the past some people had bad a experience but I think they are a honest service department. I think on something like this I would have called the guy who gave me the gift card and picked up the huge tab at lunch and talked to him first (just my opinion). I will make sure to call John and Tony tomorrow and thank him for being part of the last 2 Paupers run and ask if they will be on the next Paupers run to offer roadside, Lunch, gift bags, and generous gift cards.

BTW, I am ready too for the next run!!!

Thanks AG staff

 

In defense of the Auto Gallery, I used my $500 gift certificate toward legitimate service and upgrades. There were no misleading sales tactics, and I could not have been more satisfied. The Auto Gallery Service of past had some issues, but I consider them resolved. My recent experience has more than met my expectations!

Tim

 

I don't own a car, but I will say that the AG has been very supportive of everything I do. I know that they will be sponsoring the next Pauper's Run, (which I will announce after the Motor4toys event), and I know most of the AG team. The relationship I have from the top to the bottom is very positive and helpful, to outright supportive. If I were buying or servicing, they would be my first choice. From my perspective, there is no other Ferrari Dealerships that has done as much for the community as the Auto Gallery has.

Here is a video Duane shot of me thanking Tony from this past Supercar Sunday, two days ago...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P16dM0JtVu0

My hat is off to the Auto Gallery and all of their efforts. When it is time for me to buy/service my first Ferrari, it will be from/at the Auto Gallery.

 

I would have to agree.

 

I too used my gift card towards an axle boot repair I knew I needed and they pointed out a recall campaign on my fuel line (F355) which was covered under warranty as was an ABS recall that I had no idea about. They were more than upfront, sincere and definately exceeded my expectations considering I haven't purchased a car from them and they repaired my F355 Spider above and beyond what I expected. I continue to use them and would recommend them and would purchase a car from them as well. Thank you AG!

 

As you all know on previous posts, my TR had an engine out at Auto Gallery. I meet both John and Travis at the Pauper's run.

John asked me in Vegas, what it would take for them to earn my business. I said match the going rate, give me $500.00 off and promise that you will take care of my car by giving me the best service possible.

After Vegas, I went back to two reputable shops and got two estimates. One was verbal and the second was in writing with a price and once summary line stating BELT SERIVCE. This got me concerned so when I called Auto Gallery to compare notes and I asked if everything was going to be in writing and up-front. They gave me a detailed invoice stating everything they were going to do for at the time of engine out. Itemization of the replacement parts etc.

On top of that, they gave me a $500.00 discount (Pauper's Credit) with no questions asked. Since I lived far away, they offered to flat bed my TR or give me a car until the work was completed.

This team went out of there way to clean up door light switches and securing a missing screw to my seat along with many little things here and there. They did ZERO up selling.

They checked all recalls and found seat belts recall was not completed and they got that done too. No other shop bothered to looking up recalls when they had my car in for routine oil change.

The engine out was done, pictures were taken and the car became a dream to drive. Most of you who questioned my experience with Auto Gallery and I gave you thumps up. In fact, I recommended Jerry to take his car in to Auto Gallery and cash in his coupons.

It is unfortunate that things went wrong with the service department while servicing Jerry’s 430. His experience was completely different than mine and others who support Auto Gallery. We all hope to see a closure on this soon. Now, did someone say Pauper’s Run???

 

The only people that don't get reamed at AG are the ones in bed with them.

 

Surprised to hear about the bad experience and I hope the OP's experience was an isolated incident. Just wanted to add my $0.02. I also got the $500 GC and figured I "had" to use it for something before it expired so I took it in for an alignment. I also mentioned to them that I was annoyed by a slight rattle from the back of the car. After inspecting the vehicle the mechanic told me they found that one exhaust bracket was cracked. They ordered new ones and installed them under warranty. The work they did didn't even exceed the value of the GC and everything cost me $0.

On another occasion I had them do a full annual service and their price was competitive compared to other dealers. They even picked up the car and dropped it back off at my home! No other issues were found or noted and I paid just for the service.

This being my first F-car, my experience with Ferrari service departments may be limited, but I really liked how the mechanics showed me exactly what they were replacing, showed the new and old parts and let me peek under the car while it was on the lift (fun stuff for me as I sit behind a desk all day - LOL).

It's out of the way for me to take the car to AG, but so far they've been great and I will take my car there for the next service too.

 

I don't agree with you. I had purchased a 996 from them near five years ago without having any pervious experience with them. The sale of less than an hour. We still have the car and when it comes to buying another, Auto Gallery will be answer.

 

Truth.

Joe Blow goes to AG tech session, told he needs new motor mounts.

Joe Blow goes back to get new motor mounts.

6 months later, Joe Blow goes back for something else,, Service Manager calls him and tells him he needs new motor mounts.

Joe Blow says "wait a minute, you just did them 6 months ago...what the heck?"

So, in Joe Blows mind, he either (a) did not get them done the first time although he paid for them 'rip', or, (b) did get them, and is trying to be 'ripped' this time, or (c), did not get them the first time and/or doesn't need them in the first place second place or otherwise because his car only has 10k miles anyways, hence, 'trying to be ripped twice'.

And this happens with more then just motor mounts.

Most people know the game. The only ones who do not, are either newbies, or In Bed With Them.

 

Considering that you do not know the nature of my (or others) Auto Gallery relationship, your assumption is incredibly ignorant. From my perspective, you are just another in the never ending parade of unsubscribed Ferrari Chat newbies that hide behind their keyboard, pretending to know all the answers.

Tim

 

Sounds like a little investigative stingeroony is in order. Roll up all flashy(gold chains are fine) and tell them you're from _______ County(far enough away so they think they can get away with shlt). Then see what they hit you up with and get it documented? Make sure your local trustworthy place checks your motor mounts first and any other obvious stuff.

 

As told to me by a former AG service advisor professional what was happening at other Ferrari dealerships. Guys would get motor mounts done and then come in exactly 11 months later (withing a few days) for an oil change and ask the service advisor about any other work needed....ie: Fluids, Belts, Motor Mounts, etc. The service personel would call sometimes and and say that Motor mounts were needed and the "customer" would say ok go for it. Then the "Customer" would come in to pick up his car and review his bill and would say.....but heck this dealership or another Ferrari dealership whoever it was did Motor mounts 11 months ago so they will be covered by the Farrari factory warranty.

So who is at fault?


Some guys go 5-8 years between belt services and others want 3 years to the date. Tomato...TomAto I know these guys go thru pretty intense training from FNA.....They only get paid once so why not do it right.

From a recent recall I had on my old 355. Travis and team at AG did a nice job with same day turn around and even washed the car beautifully.


Ahhhhhhhhhhh The perfect world we live in where nobody makes mistakes